Olympus FE-5020 vs. SP-800 UZ: An Expert Hands-On Comparison for Every Photographer’s Journey

Choosing your next camera can be overwhelming. Especially when options come from the same brand but serve different purposes. Today, we unpack everything you need to know about two Olympus compacts from the late 2000s and early 2010s - the Olympus FE-5020 and the Olympus SP-800 UZ. Both aimed at portability and rich features, yet designed for distinct photographic styles.

With over 15 years of experience testing thousands of cameras, I’ll walk you through core specs, real-world performance across different types of photography, and help you discover which suits your creative path best. Whether you’re into casual snapshots or more demanding telephoto shoots, let’s demystify these compact cameras.

Getting to Know the Basics: Design, Size, and Handling

When evaluating cameras, physical ergonomics and control layout profoundly influence ease of use. Here’s where these two diverge sharply, reflecting their target audiences.

The FE-5020 is remarkably compact and lightweight - an ideal pocket companion. Its slim, flat body makes it easy to slip into your pocket or bag for casual daily use or travel. However, the small size comes with trade-offs in terms of grip comfort and manual control options. It lacks a viewfinder, which may impact composition in bright sunlight.

The SP-800 UZ is substantially larger and heavier, sporting a more rugged body to accommodate its hefty 30x zoom lens. The significantly bigger grip and more physical controls cater to photographers who want more control and versatility in telephoto shooting situations. Its larger screen also aids in framing and reviewing photos.

In practical terms, you’ll find the FE-5020 perfect for weekend walks and snapshots, while the SP-800 UZ is suited for nature, sports, or travel photographers prioritizing reach over ultra-portability.

Technology Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" CCD sensor, but the SP-800 UZ edges out slightly in resolution and some capabilities.

The sensor similarity means that both cameras operate within the technical constraints of compact cameras from their generation. The marginally higher resolution in the SP-800 UZ offers a bit more detail capture, especially useful when cropping or printing larger.

The FE-5020 maxes out at ISO 1600, while the SP-800 UZ doubles that ceiling to ISO 3200, theoretically offering better low-light performance. Yet with CCD sensors in compact cameras, noise becomes prominent at high ISO, so neither model is a champion for dim environments.

The absence of RAW support in both cameras limits post-processing flexibility - a consideration if you enjoy in-depth editing. For casual shooters, JPEG output with built-in noise reduction suits most needs.

Takeaway: If you want slightly higher resolution from the same sensor size, the SP-800 UZ is the winner. But neither will match the image quality of larger-sensor competitors or modern compacts.

User Interface and Controls: How Intuitive Are They?

The user interface is crucial, especially when capturing spontaneous moments. Both cameras feature fixed LCD screens without touch capabilities, but size and control layout differ.

Without electronic viewfinders, you rely on the LCD for composition. The SP-800 UZ's larger screen offers a more comfortable preview experience. Both lack touchscreen, so buttons and dials control settings.

The FE-5020 has simplified menus and a minimal button layout ideal for beginners or those preferring point-and-shoot ease. The SP-800 UZ presents more buttons and a zoom ring on the lens barrel, catering to users accustomed to DSLRs or bridge cameras.

In real-world use, the SP-800 UZ’s interface proved faster to adjust zoom and exposure settings on the fly. The few buttons on the FE-5020 mean fewer distractions but limit creative control.

Zoom Lens Capabilities and Macro

Lens versatility is a key differentiator here.

The FE-5020 offers a modest 5x zoom starting wide at 24mm, good for landscapes and general photography, but somewhat limiting at telephoto.

The SP-800 UZ shines here with a massive 30x zoom range - 28mm wide to a super-telephoto 840mm equivalent. This makes it highly suited to wildlife, sports, and distant subjects where reach is crucial.

Importantly, the SP-800 UZ adds sensor-shift stabilization, essential for maintaining sharpness at long focal lengths, especially handheld. The FE-5020 lacks stabilization, so blur is a risk at telephoto or slow shutter speeds.

Both cameras have impressive macro abilities with focusing as close as 1cm, supporting detailed close-ups in nature or product photography.

More zoom flexibility means more creative possibilities. If telephoto reach matters to your workflow, SP-800 UZ clearly outperforms.

Autofocus Systems and Performance

Autofocus determines your success in capturing crisp images, especially for fast-moving subjects.

The FE-5020 relies on a very basic contrast-detection AF system with single-point focus. There’s no continuous autofocus or subject tracking, meaning moving subjects can be challenging.

The SP-800 UZ’s contrast-detection system is enhanced with 143 focus points and AF tracking. This improves tracking accuracy for erratic wildlife or sports action - a significant real-world advantage.

Still, neither camera offers phase-detection AF or face/eye detection technologies common in modern cameras, limiting speed and precision.

If you frequently shoot dynamic scenes, the SP-800 UZ’s autofocus system is a better fit. For casual static subjects, the FE-5020 still does a decent job under good lighting.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds

For action or sports photography, burst shooting capabilities and shutter speed ranges are paramount.

The SP-800 UZ supports a respectable 10 frames per second burst, perfect for capturing fast sequences. Its faster maximum shutter speed (1/2000 sec) also helps freeze motion better than the FE-5020’s 1/500 sec.

The FE-5020 does not advertise continuous shooting specs, indicating limited capability. It does offer a 4-second long shutter speed, potentially aiding in creative low-light shots.

If your photography involves sports or wildlife requiring rapid capture, the SP-800 UZ has a clear edge.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras shoot video, but the SP-800 UZ offers higher resolution and better format.

The FE-5020 is limited to VGA footage at 30fps, suitable mostly for casual clips. Motion JPEG format means larger files without as efficient compression.

In contrast, the SP-800 UZ can record 720p HD video in H.264 format, substantially better for sharing and post-production. It also supports timelapse recording, expanding your creative options.

While the lack of external microphone inputs restricts audio quality improvements, the SP-800 UZ’s video features make it a much more viable hybrid photo/video option.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Long shooting sessions and flexible storage enhance your overall experience.

The SP-800 UZ offers more modern SD card storage compatibility and HDMI output, useful for connecting to HDTVs or external monitors. The FE-5020’s reliance on xD Picture Cards is a dated format that may frustrate users finding compatible media.

Neither camera includes wireless features such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - typical for their production era. Battery life estimates are not specified but the SP-800 UZ’s larger body likely houses a bigger battery, augmented by more robust power management.

Handling in Different Photography Situations

Let’s see how these cameras perform across major photography types in practical use.

Portrait Photography

• FE-5020: 24mm wide lens and 5x zoom handle casual portraits but won’t deliver dramatic bokeh due to small sensor and lens aperture.
• SP-800 UZ: The variable aperture f/2.8-5.6 offers slightly better subject separation at wide focal lengths. Slightly higher resolution aids skin tone detail but both lack face/eye AF, which modern portrait shooters expect.

Landscape Photography

• FE-5020: Decent resolution for online sharing. No weather sealing might limit rough outdoor use.
• SP-800 UZ: The broad zoom range can capture wide vistas through long telephoto compression. No weather sealing here either, so care is needed.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• FE-5020: Not ideal due to slow AF and limited zoom.
• SP-800 UZ: Designed for this with long zoom, AF tracking, and 10fps burst. Image stabilization helps handholding reach.

Street Photography

• FE-5020: Compact, discreet, quick to shoot - ideal for street candids.
• SP-800 UZ: Size and zoom make it bulky and obtrusive; less suited to spontaneous street shooting.

Macro Photography

Both support focusing to 1cm, but SP-800 UZ’s stabilization gives sharper handheld macro shots.

Night & Astro

Neither excels due to small sensor and limited ISO range. The SP-800 UZ’s longer shutter speeds and ISO 3200 allow slightly more flexibility.

Travel Photography

• FE-5020: Lightweight, simple, perfect for travelers wanting basic versatility.
• SP-800 UZ: Larger and heavier, but zoom range means fewer lens swaps and more creative options on the go.

Professional Usage

Both are entry-level compacts not intended for pro workflows. No RAW support or advanced controls limit professional use.

In Summary: How Do They Stack Up?

Who Should Choose the FE-5020?

• Beginners wanting a pocket-friendly point-and-shoot.
• Casual users prioritizing simplicity and portability.
• Travelers light on gear wanting snapshot capabilities.
• Those on a tight budget who want decent image quality for family or vacation photos.

Who Is the SP-800 UZ Best For?

• Enthusiasts seeking reach with its 30x zoom (wildlife, sports).
• Users wanting HD video capability and stabilization.
• Photographers comfortable with more manual controls.
• Hobbyists who want versatility without changing lenses.
• Those willing to carry a bulkier camera for better performance.

A Closer Look at Genre-Specific Performance

This image illustrates the cameras' strengths and weaknesses across photography types.

• The SP-800 UZ scores noticeably better in wildlife and sports photography due to zoom and AF capabilities.
• The FE-5020 is preferable for street and travel styles where compactness is critical.
• Both are limited in professional-level portrait and night photography.

Sample Image Gallery: Real World Shots from Both Cameras

Olympus FE 5020 front Olympus FE 5020 screen back Olympus SP 800 UZ front Olympus SP 800 UZ screen back

Here, examine how the FE-5020’s images compare against the SP-800 UZ samples under similar conditions.

• Notice sharper telephoto shots on the SP-800 UZ.
• Both cameras deliver color vibrancy typical of Olympus color science.
• Image softness and noise in low light is apparent on both but marginally less on SP-800 UZ.

Final Thoughts: Which Olympus Compact Best Fits Your Vision?

While these cameras are a decade old, they still hold artistic relevance for beginners and niche use cases. Our testing confirms:

• The Olympus FE-5020 is a no-fuss compact ideal for your everyday photography and travel needs. It’s affordable and easy, but limited in zoom, stabilization, and video capability.

• The Olympus SP-800 UZ packs significantly more punch with its 30x zoom and image stabilization, better autofocus, and HD video. It delivers more creative options at the expense of size and price.

Our recommendation: If you prioritize effortless portability and casual use, grab the FE-5020. But if zoom versatility, better image control, and hybrid video/photography interest you, the SP-800 UZ delivers a more capable package.

Looking Beyond: How to Get the Most From These Cameras Today

• Pick up additional SD cards or microSD/xD cards compatible with your model.
• Carry a lightweight tripod with the SP-800 UZ to stabilize super-telephoto shots.
• Consider external apps or editing software to enhance JPEGs due to lack of RAW.
• Practice framing with the screen and learn manually adjusting exposure compensation where possible.

See the Complete Top Design and Control Layout

Before your next purchase, inspect control ergonomics in person if you can.

The SP-800 UZ’s dedicated zoom lever and control rings make manual adjustments intuitive, while the FE-5020’s minimal controls keep operation simple.

We hope this detailed comparison empowers you on the path to your next camera. Both Olympus FE-5020 and SP-800 UZ shine in their own niches; understanding your photographic goals is key.

Ready to explore? Check out these models hands-on if you can and find the right accessories to unleash your creative potential.

Happy shooting!